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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Avera Health

Dietary Aide and Cook

Cresco, IA

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... cooks of simpler duties such as opening cans, preparing vegetables, making coffee, etc.; scrapes ... This is an entry-level food service position. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: Must be 18 years or older ...

Avera Health

Dietary Aide and Cook

Cresco, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... cooks of simpler duties such as opening cans, preparing vegetables, making coffee, etc.; scrapes ... This is an entry-level food service position. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: Must be 18 years or older ...

Avera Health

Dietary Aide and Cook

Cresco, IA

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... cooks of simpler duties such as opening cans, preparing vegetables, making coffee, etc.; scrapes ... This is an entry-level food service position. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: Must be 18 years or older ...

Avera Health

Dietary Aide and Cook

Cresco, IA

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... cooks of simpler duties such as opening cans, preparing vegetables, making coffee, etc.; scrapes ... This is an entry-level food service position. * This position is 10:30am - 7:00pm Monday - Friday ...

Avera Health

Dietary Aide and Cook

Cresco, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... cooks of simpler duties such as opening cans, preparing vegetables, making coffee, etc.; scrapes ... This is an entry-level food service position. * This position is 10:30am - 7:00pm Monday - Friday ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Johnston, IA

$15/hr

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$15/hr

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14/hr

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$15/hr

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15/hr

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14/hr

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$15/hr

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

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All JobsEntry Level Cook JobsEntry Level Cook Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Iowa is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a first line cook job?

To get a first line cook job, candidates should gain basic culinary skills through culinary school or on-the-job training, and demonstrate reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. Experience in food preparation, knowledge of kitchen safety, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important. Applying to entry-level positions and networking with industry professionals can improve chances of securing a first line cook role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Cook position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cook, you need basic cooking skills, familiarity with food safety standards, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often gained through high school education or culinary training programs. Exposure to kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, ovens, and knowledge of food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically expected. Attention to detail, reliability, strong communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications help ensure delicious, safe meals are prepared efficiently while maintaining a positive, productive kitchen environment.

What does a typical workday look like for an Entry Level Cook?

As an Entry Level Cook, your workday often starts with prepping ingredients and setting up your workstation according to the day's menu. Throughout your shift, you'll prepare and cook dishes under the supervision of senior cooks or kitchen managers, assist with cleaning and organization, and restock supplies as needed. The pace can be fast, especially during meal rushes, and you’ll frequently collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure orders are accurate and timely. This hands-on experience helps you build essential culinary skills and fosters a strong understanding of team operations in a professional kitchen.

How do I start working as a cook with no experience?

Entry level cooks can start by gaining basic kitchen skills through online tutorials or cooking classes, and volunteering or working as a dishwasher or prep cook to gain experience. Many employers offer on-the-job training, so demonstrating a willingness to learn and a good work ethic can help you get hired without prior experience.

How to get a cooking job without experience?

Entry level cook positions often do not require prior experience; applicants can improve their chances by demonstrating a willingness to learn, maintaining a positive attitude, and gaining basic skills through cooking classes or volunteering. Highlighting reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic during interviews can also help secure a job in a kitchen environment.

What is an Entry Level Cook job?

An Entry Level Cook is responsible for basic food preparation and assisting in the kitchen under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties may include chopping ingredients, following recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards. This position helps individuals gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting. It is a great starting point for those looking to advance in the culinary field.

Where to start as a beginner cook?

Entry level cooks should start by learning basic food preparation skills, such as chopping, measuring, and following recipes. Gaining experience in a professional kitchen environment, understanding food safety, and possibly obtaining a food handler's certification can help build a foundation for advancement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:
Entry Level Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.
Dietary Aide and Cook

Dietary Aide and Cook

Avera Health

Cresco, IA

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Location:

Cresco, IA

Worker Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Primarily days with possible weekends/evenings/holidays (United States of America)

Join Our Team!

At Regional Health Services, we strive to create a positive, team-oriented work environment for our staff. Our professional team of clinical, administrative, and support staff work each day to better serve and care for our community. If you would like to join us on our mission, apply today!

Position Highlights

POSITION SUMMARY: Performs routine assignments in cafeteria, kitchen, or patient tray line, such as: serves food from counter or steam table; pours beverages, sets out individual servings of salads, appetizers, desserts, etc.; relieves cooks of simpler duties such as opening cans, preparing vegetables, making coffee, etc.; scrapes and racks dishes on dishwashing line; may clean pots, pans, and other utensils; helps put away foods after serving periods and performs other related tasks. This is an entry-level food service position.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be 18 years or older

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Experience in food service preferred.

Must complete: Dietary safety orientation and quiz during orientation; Food Safety course immediately upon hire; Modified Diets course within one month of hire date; and Serv Safe course within 3 months of hire date.

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About Avera Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Avera Health, based in Sioux Falls, SD, US, is a significant player in the healthcare industry. This notable network of healthcare providers, hospitals, and health facilities serves over a million people across five Midwestern states. The health network was formed with the 1994 partnership of the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters, with its roots in compassionate service dating back to the late 1800s. Renowned for its commitment to providing excellent care and improving the health of individuals and communities, it has made significant strides in the medical field. Notable achievements include consistently high rankings in the top 15% of U.S. hospitals for clinical performance and patient outcomes.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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